Aug 12, 2011

From the El Paso Times.com - A former Miss El Paso USA apologized to security officers after she was allegedly caught shoplifting, according to her arrest affidavit. Police arrested Miss El Paso USA 2008 Lorena Tavera, 21, on suspicion of shoplifting Friday at the Dillard's store at Sunland Park Mall. According to her arrest affidavit, at about 6:45 p.m. Friday Tavera and two friends were near a dressing room at the Dillard's store when Tavera was spotted on a store security camera stuffing the $69 Jessica Simpson-brand shirt into a plastic shopping bag, then attempted to leave the store. Store security personnel followed Tavera outside of the store and stopped her as her two friends walked away. Dillard's employees kept Tavera at the store until police arrived. According to the affidavit, they told police they wanted to press charges. Tavera faces a charge of theft for an item over $50 but under $500. She also had two outstanding traffic warrants. Jail records show she was booked into the El Paso County Jail early Saturday and released Saturday afternoon after posting a $728 bond. Read more